As the “team” accomplished its goal, there were rounds of applause and high-fives.

The victory celebrated by Stark County Browns Backers members was not within a professional football team’s stadium.

Monday evening’s arena was in the outdoor lounge at Jerzee’s sports bar where 36 boxes were stuffed with the components to make a hearty Thanksgiving meal for area needy families.

With the precision of football team’s two-minute offensive drill, the Browns Backers packed the cardboard boxes with the food items. This took less than 10 minutes.

“We had three weeks of raffles with nice Browns prizes,” said Doug Leopold of the Stark County Browns Backers. “If we are going to get all these Browns fans together, let’s do something good for the community.”

For each of the three weekly raffles, participants brought food items ranging from canned vegetables, boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing, and cranberry sauce and gravy.

And, of course, each of the 36 boxes contained a turkey and pumpkin pie. The food boxes will be delivered to the local YWCA, which will direct them to the designated recipient families.

“It makes me feel good that there are people that we are helping out,” John McLean, another Stark County Browns Backer, said. “There are a lot of things that we take for granted. Thanksgiving dinner was always something that was expected. There are people that don’t always get that. I wanted to make sure they get it this year.”

Leopold grew up in Canton, but relocated to Clearwater, Fla., where he lived for 20 years. He returned to Stark County about three years ago and started this local Cleveland Browns fan club.

But along with getting together to cheer for northeast Ohio’s National Football League franchise, the club members maintain a community service mission.

“We just support the Browns,” Duane Wasnak, a club member, said. “And with this event here we help out some families that are not as fortunate as us.”

Stark County Browns Backers also are donating some food items to Turnaround Community Outreach, a downtown Canton faith-based mission that provides hot meals and food for the local needy.